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I read another article on high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) also known as corn sugar. Some of the things I learned is that when corn syrup is converted into high-fructose corn syrup, it is genetically altered through a chemical process called glucose isomerization. Because this is not a natural process, the body does not react to HFCS like it does to corn syrup. When a natural sugar is consumed, the pancreas releases insulin to get the sugar out of the bloodstream and into the cells to be used as energy. At the same time, the brain receives a signal that the body is full. There are certainly problems with this process when sugar is overconsumed but that’s another topic for another time! When HFCS is consumed, the pancreas does not release insulin so the brain never receives this important signal. This can result in continued overconsumption of the HFCS. Additionally since the body does not recognize HFCS as a natural food source, the liver processes it like a chemical and converts into fat. This is one reason why consumption of HFCS can lead to high triglyceride levels in the blood stream.

Other disturbing news about HFCS is that a study recently published by Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in Minneapolis determined that in the 55 products it survey that contained HFCS as one of it’s first ingredients, 31% of the food products contained detectable levels of mercury!

The food industry has created a slick advertising campaign trying to say that HFCS is just like sugar. It is clearly not. Don’t be food. Be vigilant in reading labels. Look for high-fructose corn syrup or corn sugar as ingredients. Teach your children to read labels. Eat a diet based on whole foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and whole grains. As my favorite food writer Michael Pollan has said, “Don’t eat anything your great-great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.”

I’m starting a new series of blog posts of food suggestions. Regularly in my practice, I encourage patients to look at their diets and to explore healthier options. Eating fresher, non-processed whole foods improves health on every level! We’ll start with breakfast. A great way to start the day is with a nutrient-dense, energy packed smoothie. Smoothies are a perfect breakfast food because they can be made in the morning or the previous night and are portable. There are endless, tasty combinations to explore. Feedback I’ve received from patients is that smoothies are satisfying because they taste good and provide energy until lunch. Patients have expressed more energy, greater concentration, and no mid-morning food cravings!

Pick and choose from the following list to create your own smoothie masterpiece. It’s important to get a healthy amount of protein and fat.